Navy SEAL Pleads Not Guilty in Death of Captured ISIS Fighter

His defense attorneys hinted Friday that some of the people behind the initial complaints about the alleged misconduct have changed their story, opening the way for a narrative that his killing of that ISIS fighter was justified

Receive the latest national-international updates in your inbox

Navy SEAL Pleads Not Guilty to ISIS Fighter Murder

Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher pleaded not guilty to the murder of a young ISIS fighter in a San Diego court-martial. NBC 7's Alex Presha is in the studio with more. (Published Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019)

A U.S. Navy SEAL facing court-martial in San Diego pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder and other alleged misconduct charges stemming from a 2017 deployment in Iraq.

His defense attorneys hinted Friday that some of the people behind the initial complaints about the alleged misconduct have changed their story, opening the way for a narrative that his killing of that ISIS fighter was justified.

"Special Ops, SEALs, MARSOC, Green Berets, they do kill people in combat. The question is, is it lawful? Now in this case, the question is did Eddie Gallagher murder this ISIS individual? And the answer is absolutely not," Gallagher's attorney Colby Vokey said.

Vokey said he was unable to comment on any alleged photos of Gallagher and the body of the ISIS fighter due to restrictive orders.

In court, Gallagher's defense argued that since his arrest last September there have been unnecessary delays in trial proceedings. Gallagher is being held in military prison but his attorneys say he should be able to await trial at home.

Hunter, who said he reviewed Gallagher's case and also met with the Navy SEAL's family, released a statement detailing his thoughts on the case.

"It is important to remember that this ISIS combatant was engaged in an extensive firefight with Chief Gallagher’s team and was already significantly injured when captured," Hunter said. "No credible evidence has been provided that this ISIS fighter was murdered as opposed to dying from his terrorist actions."

"I have also received reports that Chief Gallagher is being confined to the brig where, allegedly, he has not been provided with quality access to medical care, mental health services or legal representation," Hunter said.

If true, the representative said he would introduce legislation to ensure this situation is not repeated.

"South American criminal illegal aliens are provided with better access to legal representation than our nation’s elite warriors because bureaucratic lawyers in the Navy justice system see this situation as an opportunity to make their name and advance their career," Hunter added in his statement.

He also called on President Donald Trump to step in.

"I believe that Chief Gallagher’s matter needs to be taken away from the Navy and President Trump himself needs to personally review and dismiss this case, taking an American hero out of a prison cell and back on the front lines where he belongs," Hunter said.